Get into the Christmas Spirit in London

Share

Visitors to England’s capital can’t fail to get into the Christmas spirit this winter as London’s Christmas decorations, lights, attractions and celebrations seem to be even bigger and better than ever!

As you negotiate the main shopping streets with their window snow scenes, bundle up in woolly hat and mittens for a stroll through the parks, or marvel at the various landmarks as Christmas carols fill the air, be sure to make the most of Christmas while out and about in London….

Christmas Lights

London’s main streets have become an homage to different Christmas-themed items, which are depicted in their spectacular Christmas lights. Oxford Street glistens under huge twinkling snowflakes, while Carnaby Street is decorated with mistletoe chandeliers, sparkly holly leaves and berry garlands. An illuminated net of stars covers the length of Regent Street, decorated with advertising for the animated 3D film ‘Arthur Christmas’, and St Christopher’s Place is adorned with huge glitter balls and colourful baubles.

Ice Skating Rinks

Open-air ice rinks can be found all over the city from November until January 2012, one of the most impressive being the London Eye’s very own ice skating rink, Eyeskate. Situated in front of the Eye on London’s South Bank, winter skaters can zip around the ice just underneath the huge observation wheel. The ice rink, surrounding areas and the wheel itself have been beautifully lit, making you feel part of a snow-globe fantasy world.

Other open-air rinks include the grand courtyard at Somerset House, which is presided over by a huge Christmas tree decorated by Tiffany’s, and the Natural History Museum’s 1,000m² rink, which also has a smaller rink for children.

Christmas Markets and More….

Take a stroll through any part of London this December and you’re bound to come across all kinds of Christmas fairs and markets. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is certainly a wonder to behold, featuring a Christmas market with over 100 stalls, a huge observational wheel and the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, as well as Santa Land and a fully heated and covered restaurant/bar.

Even London Zoo is getting in on the act, with a herd of reindeer taking residence at the “Reindeer Lodge” exhibit every weekend as they prepare for their long trip delivering presents to good children around the world!

For something a little less mainstream, take a trip to Notting Hill to see Bad Santa’s Grotto, a seasonal exhibition where Bad Santas paint, rap and beatbox, alongside displays of street art and a Christmas market.

About the author

Farrah is AttractionTix’s resident Copywriter. A city girl at heart, her best-loved travel moments are exploring new cities across the world like Barcelona or Los Angeles. Farrah’s favourite things are eating, sleeping, shopping and animals (but mostly animals). Her pet hates are bad grammar and other writing-based “offences”.